Election 2024: See Early Voting, Candidate Info For Manahawkin

STAFFORD, NJ — The 2024 general election will likely be a high-turnout year with a presidential race on the ballot, along with candidates for New Jersey's U.S. House and Senate seats. But there will also be local decisions to be made in Stafford Township, with both school boards, municipal and county elections on the ballot.

Here's what you need to know in Stafford ahead of the election on Tuesday, Nov. 5, including registration deadlines, how to vote by mail, and who's on the ballot.

Can I still register to vote in the general election? What about getting a mail-in ballot?

Yes, but the voter registration deadline is coming up on Oct. 15. If you are registered and want to apply for a mail-in ballot, that deadline is Oct. 29; you must return the application to your county clerk's office.

Who's on the ballot locally?

Along with the presidential contest between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald J. Trump, you'll see candidates for U.S. Senate and U.S. House. Stafford is in the 2nd congressional district.

There are three Stafford Township Board of Education seats up for election, and three Southern Regional Board of Education seats.

Stafford will be electing a new mayor this year, as well as six council seats. Two county commissioner seats are on the ballot.

Here are the state and local candidates for races in Stafford and Ocean County, as they will appear on the ballot. Any candidates who already hold these offices (known as incumbents) are marked with "Inc."

U.S. Senate

• Andy Kim (Democrat)
• Curtis Bashaw (Republican)
• Christina Khalil (Green Party)
• Kenneth Kaplan (Libertarian Party)
• Joanne Kuniansky (Socialist Workers Party)
• Patricia Mooneyham (Vote Better Party)

U.S. House (NJ District 2)

• Jeff Van Drew (Republican-Inc.)
• Joseph F. Salerno (Democrat)
• Thomas Cannavo (Green Party)

Ocean County Commissioner (vote for two)

• Jennifer Bacchione (Republican)
• Robert Arace (Republican)
• Karen Sugden (Democrat)
• Regina C. Discenza (Democrat)

Stafford Township Mayor

• Robert Henken-Siefken (Republican-Inc.)
• Barbara Crystal (Democrat)
• Jessica DiMaria (Ind.-Voice For All)

Stafford Township Council (vote for six)

• Amy Otte (Republican-Inc.)
• Lisa Mower (Republican-Inc.)
• Owen LaRocca (Republican-Inc.)
• Christopher DarConte (Republican)
• Sergio Fossa (Republican)
• Steven Esposito (Republican-Inc.)
• Lisa Bennett (Democrat)
• Ellyn Hill (Democrat)
• Moira Krier (Democrat)
• Dennis Carleen (Democrat)
• Erik Tramontana (Democrat)
• Wendy McClure(Democrat)

Stafford Township Board of Education (vote for three)

• Tammy Wagner (Inc.)
• Robert Morello (Inc.)
• Matthew Regulski (Inc.)

Southern Regional Board of Education (vote for three)

• Steven Berkheiser (Inc.)
• Keith Weidenhof (Inc.)
• Michael Taylor (Inc.)

When is early voting?

Early voting will take place from Saturday, Oct. 26 through Sunday, Nov. 3. Hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.

Locations have not been announced yet, but generally, residents can vote at Ocean County Library locations.

If I'm voting by mail, what are the deadlines and where can I drop it off?

You can mail your ballot back, or place it in one of the county’s Secure Ballot Drop Box Locations. Here are the deadlines.

• If sending by mail: Ballots must be postmarked by 8 p.m. on Election Day, and be received by the county Board of Elections within 6 days after Election Day.
• If putting it in a drop box: Ballots must be placed in a secure drop box by 8 p.m. on Election Day.

Basic information and more helpful links

• Election Day: Tuesday, Nov. 5
• Register to vote (by Oct. 15)
• Check your voter registration
• Look up your congressional district
• View a sample ballot for your town
• Drop off your mail-in ballot at a dropbox in your county
• Track your mail-in ballot
• Find your polling location for Election Day
• See more information on the New Jersey voter information portal

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